Malakoff defense earns Red Zone Player Spotlight after 35-7 win over Winnsboro

MALAKOFF, Texas (KLTV) - In what was likely the biggest Class 3A game last week, the Malakoff Tigers shut down the Winnsboro Red Raiders 35-7. For their stout performance, the Malakoff defense earns this week’s Red Zone Player Spotlight.

Unbeaten at 8-0 and prepping for Eustace, coach Jamie Driskell’s squad isn’t taking anything for granted:

“It’s a big rivalry, they’re what, 10 minutes down the road. We’re going to get their very best and our kids are going to play hard,” Driskell said.

One key: the Tigers’ ability to rush the quarterback.

“Man, I’m just — our defense, you know, coming with it in practice every day,” Malakoff WR/DB Nasir Ross said.

“This defense is very special this year, we really came together as a brotherhood, as seniors and juniors,” Malakoff LB Hunter Rush said. “The brotherhood we have in the locker room and here on the field is something special.”

Three years ago the Tigers won it all — motivation for younger players who were freshmen then.

“I remember them being very physical, their defense, and their offense was getting after it. I think if we can do that, we can repeat that year,” Rush said.

The Tigers are on the road Thursday taking on Eustace for Thursday night football. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.